Castles you said? OK, where to start….? I think we should have a few trips on our calendar to these “large buildings, typically of the medieval period, fortified against attack with thick walls, battlements, towers, and in many cases a moat.” And palaces too? You mean those “large and impressive buildings forming the official residence of a ruler, pope, archbishop, etc.?” No problem! We got those covered as well in great numbers. Indeed, besides churches and cathedrals, castles and palaces are probably the most visited places during the dozens of different trips we organise around the world.
We already have a nice overview of all the cathedrals we visited, as well as of all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites (many double actually) or the places with recognized UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, or of all the must-see destinations that we go to regularly or specifically for Belgium, but we have never given a good overview of all the castles and palaces that had the pleasure of receiving our groups. So without further ado, let’s dive right in! First the trips focused on castles and palaces, followed by all the trips in which we visited a castles or palaces as part of a larger program.
Deux Châteaux trip Our first castle on this trip was on our calendar since the first year, Bouillon Castle. The second one, Sedan Castle, came much later but the combination is so logical and unique because they are a mere 20 minutes apart by bus.
White Cliffs of Dover & Castles trip Brussels is so centrally located that our city allows us to travel back and forth to England in one (long) day. Departing early morning at 06h45, we arrive around 9h30 in Calais from where we take a ferry to Dover. With the famous White Cliffs approaching fast, also Dover Castle on top looms up in the distance. Our participants now have to make a tough decision: hiking towards our final destination Deal, or join the castles tour. With Dover, Walmer and Deal castle on our itinerary, it’s a great trip to tick off some castles from your bucket list.
Châteaux de la Loire trip One of our most beloved trips, as well as one of the first long weekend trip that we put on the agenda, takes place in the scenic Loire region just 200km South of Paris. This region is likely the world’s most favourite castles region, at least for the French kings and nobility. Not less than 300 castles in all forms, shapes and sizes are dotted over the landscape, including world-famous ones such as Chenonceau and Chambord. We visit 6 of them while an excellent local guide explains about the history and former inhabitants. This trip normally takes place in the first half of July. To learn a bit more about all the castles we visit just read this article so you are fully updated.
Admitted that Château de Chissay is only a 5-minutes photo on our way to the village Chenonceaux (guess which castle is there), but we can not recommend staying in this hotel castle enough when you’re on a romantic trip in the region.
Bavarian Castles trip Every May we travel to the South of Germany to visit a selection of amazing Bavarian castles. Besides the Cinderella Neuschwanstein castle, there are several other jewels on our itinerary. Besides that, we visit nice cities like Würzburg, Nürnberg and of course Munich. Let’s discover them right away! Oh, and here is a more in-depth article about this great trip, and one how this trip is experienced by one of our regular guests and by an 8-year old.
Miscellaneous trips During many of our trips we visit a castle or palace, or see one from up close. They literally come in all forms and shapes, and they are always great for just a quick photo stop or possibly a longer visit.
The Château de Walzin is a favorite milestone on our Lesse kayaking trips, which we normally do at least twice per year. | by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT (own work), via Wikimedia Commons
The Tower of London is one of the most famous medieval castles in the world. Holding the priceless Crown Jewels, it was built in the 11th and 12th century. It’s one of the many places we visit during our London Trip.
Having visited the Tower of London, we of course also have to see Buckingham Palace.
The entrance to the Château de Boulogne. The castle is an integral part of the ramparts of the old town of Boulogne sur Mer. | by Marc Ryckaert MJJR (own work), via Wikimedia Commons
The Koenigsberg Castle is situated on the Easter foothills of the Vosges Mountains overlooking the Alsace vineyards, the Rhine valley and the Black Forest in the distance. Every fall we travel to the Alsace for a visit to Colmar, drive the famous Alsace Wine Route, discover the most scenic half-timbered houses and of course enjoy the food and wine.
At just 70km Northeast from Paris, the Château de Pierrefonds has a very long history and seems to be partially medieval. Still, looks can be deceiving since it was fully restored only a few hundred years ago after the earlier castle was left in ruins for a long time.
Just 20k North of Paris one can find Europe’s largest and possibly most beautiful horse stables. They are an integral part of a larger domain of the impressive Château de Chantilly. Indeed, the place where the famous cream comes from. The castle itself is incredibly rich in art and very nicely decorated.
Château de Caen is situated in the middle of the Normandy capital Caen. Since we often use this city as our starting point for both the Mont Saint-Michel trip and the D-Day trip, the castle is a regular on our calendar | by Nikater (own work), via Wikimedia Commons
The Ducal Palace in Luxembourg Centre is really a working palace, although visiting Heads of States regularly stay here during their visits. We always go to Luxembourg the last Saturday of August and enjoy a guided tour inside.
The Charlottenburg Palace or Schloss Charlottenburg was erected in the 17th and 18th century in the Baroque style like many buildings in the German capital. | BeLichtErstatter – Pixabay
Brussels For our last selection of palaces we don’t even have to leave town. A tram or bus ride would be sufficient to see two of them, right in the heart of Brussels and one in the outskirts in Laken not far from the Atomium.
Now that it is crystal clear that Expat Club is the place to be for you if you like castles and palaces, please do let us know what castle or palace you still miss on this list! You would not be the first person to make an excellent suggestion that we soon after actually integrate in one of our many trips.
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